• Philip Ian Pamintuan was part of the congregation for the pope's visit to Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral. All pictures by Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Philip Ian Pamintuan was part of the congregation for the pope's visit to Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral. All pictures by Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Amani Haddad with her daughter, Tala Haddad, 17.
    Amani Haddad with her daughter, Tala Haddad, 17.
  • Fatima Desouza was grateful to be part of the service.
    Fatima Desouza was grateful to be part of the service.
  • Vinil Rohi Marripudi, 15, said the papal visit was a wonderful experience.
    Vinil Rohi Marripudi, 15, said the papal visit was a wonderful experience.
  • Roland Gabriel with his partner at the vast place of worship.
    Roland Gabriel with his partner at the vast place of worship.
  • The pope thanked the people of Bahrain for their support of Catholics living in the country during the service.
    The pope thanked the people of Bahrain for their support of Catholics living in the country during the service.
  • Father Nedumpurath Johnson travelled from Kuwait to be part of the pontiff's Bahrain tour.
    Father Nedumpurath Johnson travelled from Kuwait to be part of the pontiff's Bahrain tour.

Gulf

Bahrain

Worshippers rejoice at Pope Francis's visit to Bahrain cathedral

Pontiff thanks people of Bahrain for caring for the country's Catholic community in address at Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral

Faisal Salah
Faisal Salah
Bahrain

November 04, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Worshippers have shared their joy at being part of a historic papal visit to the Arabian Gulf's largest Roman Catholic church.

Pope Francis thanked the people of Bahrain for their care for the country's Catholic contingent during an address at Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral on Friday evening.

He took part in a prayer for peace to round off the second day of his milestone tour of the kingdom.

The pontiff entered the vast place of worship to rapturous applause from a congregation thrilled to see the revered head of their flock in person.

After the Pope left the cathedral, those in attendance told of the thrill of hearing him deliver his message.

Fatima Desouza was delighted to see the Pope in person. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Fatima Desouza was delighted to see the Pope in person. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

"We were so excited and thrilled to see him deliver this holy Mass," said Fatima Desouza, 52, an executive secretary from India.

Vinel Marripudi, 15, a pupil who also comes from India, spoke about the importance of the occasion, saying "today was a wonderful experience, we witnessed history in this moment."

Roland Gabriel, from Lebanon, was enthralled by the chance to see the pontiff in person.

"The Pope's visit to Bahrain is something unique. I'm sure everyone enjoyed it just as much as we did."

The 36-year-old, who works as a regional human resources manager in Bahrain, hailed the leader of the world's Catholics as "a very humble influential figure".

"And that's what we love the most about him," he said.

Amani Haddad, from Jordan, was cherishing the Pope's momentous visit.

"I hope this is a great visit for Bahrain and for us. I am making sure to attend every event where the Pope will be while in Bahrain."

Father Nedumpurath Johnson, from the Salmiya Parish, travelled from Kuwait to attend the service.

"It was wonderful. The holy father spoke about unity and diversity. He tells us about how to live together as one family."

Philip Ian Pamintuan, 39, was part of the choir that welcomed the Pope into the cathedral. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Philip Ian Pamintuan, 39, was part of the choir that welcomed the Pope into the cathedral. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Phillip Ian Pamintuan was a member of the choir that sang in the cathedral as the Pope entered, and as he made his exit.

He says he was overwhelmed and blessed to be a part of the choir, adding that "it was a great gathering of many cultures and people."

The Pope will deliver a public Mass before a crowd of more than 20,000 at the Bahrain National Stadium on Saturday.

Pope's Bahrain visit — in pictures

  • Pope Francis leads Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, in Bahrain. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Pope Francis leads Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, in Bahrain. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The cathedral is the largest in the region. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The cathedral is the largest in the region. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Pope Francis stressed the need for the world to cast aside self interest and political ideologies to address injustice and world hunger. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Pope Francis stressed the need for the world to cast aside self interest and political ideologies to address injustice and world hunger. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Priests light candles during the Pope's visit. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Priests light candles during the Pope's visit. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The pontiff greets priests. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The pontiff greets priests. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The leader of the world's Catholics also took aim at the growing divide between the rich and poor. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The leader of the world's Catholics also took aim at the growing divide between the rich and poor. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • There's always time for a selfie. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    There's always time for a selfie. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Pope Francis writes in the visitors' book at the cathedral. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Pope Francis writes in the visitors' book at the cathedral. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Pope Francis greets the attendees as he enters at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Bahrain. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Pope Francis greets the attendees as he enters at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Bahrain. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Members of the choir sing as they await the arrival of the Pope. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Members of the choir sing as they await the arrival of the Pope. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Priests and worshippers wait for the Pope. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Priests and worshippers wait for the Pope. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed El Tayeb speak at a meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders. Reuters
    Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed El Tayeb speak at a meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders. Reuters
  • Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, attend a meeting with council members at the mosque in Sakhir Palace. AP
    Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, attend a meeting with council members at the mosque in Sakhir Palace. AP
  • Pope Francis and the Grand Imam attend a meeting with the members of the council in the courtyard of the mosque at Sakhir Palace. Reuters
    Pope Francis and the Grand Imam attend a meeting with the members of the council in the courtyard of the mosque at Sakhir Palace. Reuters
  • Pope Francis arrives at the mosque at Sakhir Palace, alongside the Grand Imam of Al Azhar. AFP
    Pope Francis arrives at the mosque at Sakhir Palace, alongside the Grand Imam of Al Azhar. AFP
  • The cathedral slowly fills before the Pope’s arrival. A friar speaks after the choir finishes singing a hymn. Faisal Salah / The National
    The cathedral slowly fills before the Pope’s arrival. A friar speaks after the choir finishes singing a hymn. Faisal Salah / The National
  • Pope Francis meets the Grand Imam of Al Azhar mosque near the Sakhir Royal Palace in Bahrain. AFP
    Pope Francis meets the Grand Imam of Al Azhar mosque near the Sakhir Royal Palace in Bahrain. AFP
  • The Pope meets the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb. Reuters
    The Pope meets the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb. Reuters
  • Pope Francis meets Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in Bahrain. AFP
    Pope Francis meets Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in Bahrain. AFP
  • Pope Francis and King Hamad attend the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at the Sakhir Royal Palace. Reuters
    Pope Francis and King Hamad attend the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at the Sakhir Royal Palace. Reuters
  • Dr Ahmed El Tayeb delivers a speech at the palace in Manama. AFP
    Dr Ahmed El Tayeb delivers a speech at the palace in Manama. AFP
  • King Hamad, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad and Pope Francis attend the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at the Sakhir Palace. Reuters
    King Hamad, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad and Pope Francis attend the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at the Sakhir Palace. Reuters
  • Pope Francis, King Hamad and other dignitaries at a ceremony at the palace. AFP
    Pope Francis, King Hamad and other dignitaries at a ceremony at the palace. AFP
  • Onlookers film on their phones as Pope Francis attends the closing session of the dialogue. AP Photo
    Onlookers film on their phones as Pope Francis attends the closing session of the dialogue. AP Photo
  • The Royal Bahraini Air Force flies the flags of Vatican City and Bahrain. Reuters
    The Royal Bahraini Air Force flies the flags of Vatican City and Bahrain. Reuters
  • Pope Francis attends the closing ceremony of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at Sakhir Palace. Reuters
    Pope Francis attends the closing ceremony of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at Sakhir Palace. Reuters
  • Bahrain's King Hamad, right, and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, talk as they wait for the arrival of the Pope at the closing session of the forum. AP
    Bahrain's King Hamad, right, and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, talk as they wait for the arrival of the Pope at the closing session of the forum. AP
  • Security officers wait for the Pope to arrive. AP Photo
    Security officers wait for the Pope to arrive. AP Photo
  • The theme of the forum was 'East and West for Human Co-existence'. Reuters
    The theme of the forum was 'East and West for Human Co-existence'. Reuters
  • More than 200 global faith leaders and scholars took part in the conference. Reuters
    More than 200 global faith leaders and scholars took part in the conference. Reuters
  • Discussions covered the role of religious heads in addressing global challenges, as well as interfaith dialogue as a way to ensure world peace. Reuters
    Discussions covered the role of religious heads in addressing global challenges, as well as interfaith dialogue as a way to ensure world peace. Reuters
  • The Pope was scheduled to speak at the closing session of the forum.
    The Pope was scheduled to speak at the closing session of the forum.
  • Guests arrive for the closing ceremony of the forum. Reuters
    Guests arrive for the closing ceremony of the forum. Reuters
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Cashew%0D%3Cbr%3EStarted%3A%202020%0D%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Ibtissam%20Ouassif%20and%20Ammar%20Afif%0D%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3EIndustry%3A%20FinTech%0D%3Cbr%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%2410m%0D%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Mashreq%2C%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

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The flights 
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Where to stay 
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.

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The past Palme d'Or winners

2018 Shoplifters, Hirokazu Kore-eda

2017 The Square, Ruben Ostlund

2016 I, Daniel Blake, Ken Loach

2015 Dheepan, Jacques Audiard

2014 Winter Sleep (Kış Uykusu), Nuri Bilge Ceylan

2013 Blue is the Warmest Colour (La Vie d'Adèle: Chapitres 1 et 2), Abdellatif Kechiche, Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux

2012 Amour, Michael Haneke

2011 The Tree of Life, Terrence Malick

2010 Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (Lung Bunmi Raluek Chat), Apichatpong Weerasethakul

2009 The White Ribbon (Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte), Michael Haneke

2008 The Class (Entre les murs), Laurent Cantet

While you're here
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Company Profile

Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

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Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

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Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
 

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Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
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Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
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Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
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Eagles
Tries: Bright, O’Driscoll
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Hurricanes
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What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
While you're here
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If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50

RESULTS
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AUSTRALIA SQUAD

Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

While you're here
STAR%20WARS%20JEDI%3A%20SURVIVOR
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KLOPP%20AT%20LIVERPOOL
%3Cp%3EYears%3A%20October%202015%20-%20June%202024%3Cbr%3ETotal%20games%3A%20491%3Cbr%3EWin%20percentage%3A%2060.9%25%3Cbr%3EMajor%20trophies%3A%206%20(Premier%20League%20x%201%2C%20Champions%20League%20x%201%2C%20FA%20Cup%20x%201%2C%20League%20Cup%20x%202%2C%20Fifa%20Club%20World%20Cup%20x1)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

While you're here
Abramovich London

A Kensington Palace Gardens house with 15 bedrooms is valued at more than £150 million.

A three-storey penthouse at Chelsea Waterfront bought for £22 million.

Steel company Evraz drops more than 10 per cent in trading after UK officials said it was potentially supplying the Russian military.

Sale of Chelsea Football Club is now impossible.

While you're here
Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

MORE US ELECTION OPINION
Updated: November 09, 2022, 9:33 AM
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